The pandemic caused the auto industry to take a pause when it started. But it quickly recovered with the implementation of new protocols that ensured the safety of workers. Demand for new vehicles went up as people opted to drive their cars rather than risking their health by taking public transport.
Aside from new cars, sales of used vehicles also increased. This situation opened another opportunity for people looking to start a business. If you are looking for a business idea, you can consider starting an auto shop. Here are some things you should take into account.
Decide on the Type of Shop to Open
The first thing you need to consider is the type of auto shop you want to open. The first type of auto shop is a body shop. These shops focus on the exterior of a car. It requires you to fix dents on the body of a car or replace specific panels damaged due to a collision.
Another option is a tire retail shop. This shop sells new tires for cars with worn-out tires. Aside from selling its products directly to vehicle owners, the shop can also sell to other shops working on a damaged car. A shop offering repair and maintenance services for the transmission system is another option. This type of shop specializes in fixing complex components of vehicles.
Develop a Business Plan
After deciding on the type of shop to open, you should start working on a business plan. Similar to other types of businesses, a business plan serves as a guide for your business. The plan should include information about your market or your customers. You should also define the objective or goals of the businesses and how you aim to achieve these objectives and goals.
You should also consider your potential competitors in the market. With this, you can also look for a unique selling proposition to set your business apart from your rivals. Additionally, you should also include the sources of funding in the plan. If you have no experience creating a business plan, you can consult experts in the industry and ask all the questions you may have before starting the business.
Get the Right Tools and Equipment
An auto shop requires many tools and equipment depending on the type of shop you want to open. One tool that you should have in the shop is a jack. It allows you to work under the vehicles you are fixing. You should make sure to get a high-quality jack to avoid issues in the future.
An air compressor is another useful tool in an auto shop. It allows you to operate different types of tools, including auto lifts and pneumatic hand tools. Similar to the jack, you should look for a high-quality model since you’ll need it for a lot of jobs.
If your shop offers oil change services, you should get an oil drain and caddy. You can use this tool to store old oil that you can use later. Recycling old oil allows you to save resources and keep the environment clean. A battery charger is another useful tool since dead batteries in vehicles are among the most common issues many vehicle owners have to deal with. You should also get a coup of jumper cables with your battery charger.
A brake lathe is useful when you are working on the brake systems of a vehicle. It allows you to fix any brake issues as well as deal with any noise that comes from the brakes. While you can have the drums and rotors resurfaced by another shop, having a brake lathe in your shop makes your work efficient and increases your revenue. You can also consider setting up an automobile paint booth in the shop if you want to offer the service to your customers. It is also a good way to expand the business in the future.
One thing that you should remember is to maintain all your tools and equipment to make them last. It also increases your productivity and efficiency in the shop.
Hire Qualified Employees
You should also hire qualified employees. Many people who complete mechanics-related courses normally look for jobs in auto shops. While you can hire these professionals, you can also look for someone with auto repair experience. Among the skills you should look for in your employees are diagnostic and mechanical skills, tech-savviness, good work ethic, and professionalism. You can also look for employees who have in-depth knowledge of the industry. They should also be adaptable to deal with any changes in the industry.
Starting an auto shop is a good option for you to set up a new business during the pandemic.